Business Ethics: Apple, Inc.

1112 Words3 Pages

Apple is a company facing a lot of ethical dilemmas. Since it is such a large and rapidly growing company, they face a lot of scrutiny from the media. Apple also faces a lot of pressure to be competitive in the technology market. As a result of this, companies tend to cut costs in as many ways as possible, some of which aren’t always ethical. One of the most typical ways businesses cut costs is by lowering production costs, which entails outsourcing for cheap labor. However, in order for labor to be made cheaper many sacrifices have to be made, which tend to be forced upon the workers by lowering wages, making working conditions unfavorable, and often by employing child labor.

One of Apple’s major ethical issues is the problem of labor. This is a very important problem in today’s world because businesses have a tendency to ignore basic human rights in their never ending competition to make as much money as possible. Outsourcing, using child labor, and overworking employees are all major ethical and legal violations committed all the time by many high profile companies, and often unjustly ignored as it is unfair to the people forced to work in such terrible conditions.

Foxconn, one of Apple’s major manufacturer’s, recently had a breakout of suicides amongst their workers because the working conditions were so awful. Workers are often forced to work continuous shifts through meal times and work up to 100 hours overtime in a single month, even though the legal limit is a mere 36. And to make it even worse, Foxconn now makes their employees sign a contract saying that if an employee commits suicide as a result of the horrendous conditions, the family is not even allowed to sue them. Instead of cutting ties with Foxconn upon recei...

... middle of paper ...

...conn-suicide-pact_n_858504.html

Lee, A. (2011, May 6). Inside Foxconn's Factory: Report Exposes Conditions At Apple Manufacturer. Breaking News and Opinion on The Huffington Post. Retrieved November 7, 2011, from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/06/foxconn-factory-conditions_n_858619.html

Moon, B. (n.d.). Sony and Apple Spat Over App Store E-Books May Hit Kindle. Welcome to Portable Electronics at About.com. Retrieved November 7, 2011, from http://portables.about.com/od/ebookreasers/a/Sony-App-Rejection.htm

Viswanathan, Â. (2011, November 2). Apple App Store - developer license agreement. Welcome to Mobile Devices: Resources on Mobile Applications, Mobile Apps Development, App Store News and Mobile Operator Updates. Retrieved November 7, 2011, from http://mobiledevices.about.com/od/mobileappbasics/a/Why-Apple-Revised-Their-Developer-License-Agreement.htm

Show More
Related

  • Rotten Apple Ethics

    724 Words  | 2 Pages

    ...ften times Apple will simply take the fine because it can afford to, and would rather pay the money then fairly open their trade secrets up to the world. This loophole in the law, if you will, is allowing for Apple to pay its way through anti-monopoly laws and regulations.

    Read More

  • Apple: Socially and Ethically Responsible?

    1062 Words  | 3 Pages

    “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do” (Isaacson). When the late Steve Jobs was a child he was abandoned by his real mother and adopted by the Jobs family. Steve was a stubborn rude man who was ruthless, however he was focused, crazy, and inspirational. His characteristics drove him to form one of the greatest companies today, Apple. The computer company revolutionized the world with a frontline of the greatest products the world has ever seen. Although facing many hardships, the company managed to change the music industry, computer industry, phone industry, design industry and created a tablet industry. Apple envisioned products that did not exist and it thrived from the reaction of its consumers. After becoming a fortune five hundred company, it has continued to develop its products and has remained one of Americans most pristine companies however has also been put in the spotlight on social and ethical responsibilities. Ethical businesses use principles and standards that determine if conduct in organizations is acceptable. The big question has arose, is Apple socially and ethically responsible with their suppliers, the economy, its workers, and its consumers? Is Apple responsible for its supplier chains? Does apple have programs through which they help solve social and ethical issues? Has apple made any financial contributions to address issues?

    Read More

  • Sweatshops Essay

    747 Words  | 2 Pages

    Not only is the pay and work hours bad, the jobs are dangerous too. One man lost two of his fingers in a machine and after being taken to the hospital, his boss furious for having to pay for the bill, is expected to go back to work in excruciating pain to pay off the medical bill (Lee-Potter 2007). In a Chinese sweatshop in Italy a fire broke out and killed 7 people. Because of all the dust and fabric on the floor, the fire spread quickly trapping workers inside due to iron bars on windows to keep them in (Aloisi 2013). The reason for those 7 workers to still be at the factory is that they were sleeping in “cardboard cubicles” (Aloisi 2013). Most workers cannot afford to have homes outside of the factories and sleep where they work. When factories are shut down, its inhabitants are

    Read More

  • Company Research Essay: Apple Inc.

    752 Words  | 2 Pages

    As mentioned above, Apple Inc. is one of the well-managed companies in the world, and this is one of the pillars of its success in the market. The company’s core business is designing, manufacturing, and marketing mobile communication as well as media gadgets, in addition to supplying related software, and networking solutions. It is known for producing very unique and high-differentiated products such as the iPhone, iPod, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and many more. The company has a culture of valuing its employees, because the management believes that the company is where it is today because of these employees. The employees are accorded...

    Read More

  • Business Ethics Case Study

    820 Words  | 2 Pages

    Do you agree with Schmeltekopf that business schools are not preparing students well for the for the ethical challenges they will face in the workplace? Why or why not?

    Read More

  • Apple Manufacturing in China

    1886 Words  | 4 Pages

    Few people second guess Apple or their products, their image is well-maintained and the products are widely owned by people of all kinds. However, the process of making these much beloved iPhones and iPads is widely overshadowed by the company’s rate of constant innovation. In a series of articles by The New York Times, journalists attempt to unmask the controversial use of overseas manufacturers indicate a true crisis; a labor-power problem which abuses foreign workers as well as harming mid-wage jobs of consumers in the U.S. Many different lenses can be used to further analyze the structures, relationships and interactions that characterize this phenomena. Figures such as C. Wright Mills, Karl Marx and Fredrick Engels, Pierre Bourdieu, Immanuel Wallerstein and Leslie Sklair.

    Read More

  • Business Ethics

    837 Words  | 2 Pages

    Explain the connection between the economic model of corporate social responsibility and “free market” or “neoclassical” economic theory.

    Read More

  • Globalization Of Human Capital Case Study

    1522 Words  | 4 Pages

    It is expected for such a company to feel obligated to deliver upon the American dream. The publicity of such comments does not only affect a company’s reputation but also financial performance. Apple have a role in ensuring that America as a nation grows, itself having been molded by the country’s economic muscle and enabling environment for business. The point in this is that, although the company is obliged to make better products, America is one of her best markets and it has an obligation to its market.

    Read More

  • Ethics In Steve Jobs

    1416 Words  | 3 Pages

    “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26) This verse asks the question how can someone profit or take advantage of the world if they damage or lose their character along the way, what is worth more than one’s soul? This question can help one in determining their ethics by balancing what is right, meaningful, and most important to them. Knowing and understanding one’s ethical values is important on the path towards achieving one’s goals.

    Read More

  • Steve Jobs and His Apple

    1116 Words  | 3 Pages

    2: Finkle, Todd A., and Michael L. Mallin. "Steve Jobs and Apple, Inc." Journal of the International Academy for Case Studies 16.8 (2010): 49+. General OneFile. Web. 19 Oct. 2011.

    Read More

  • The Environmental Impact Of Apple

    1452 Words  | 3 Pages

    Having poor working conditions impacts the society in such a way that workers are depressed and do not work in peace. Apple should look for ways in which their suppliers can offer working conditions that are humane. If the current suppliers do not improve their working conditions, then Apple should consider looking for other suppliers since the working conditions of their workers should be of most priority (Apple Inc. 2016). Moreover, having good working conditions will attract more qualified personnel into the company, thus increasing the quality of their products. However, the main problem in Apple making sure that their suppliers offer better working conditions is that Apple has no legal liability in any operation that happens in China factories since their ownership is by separate manufacturers. It, therefore, gives Apple the dilemma of choosing between what is correct morally and what is correct legally. It also represents situations that are unfortunate since an action of being socially responsible is not what is best for the running of the business as using cheap labour to minimise cost has led to Apple to achieve margins that are spectacular and profits on its products (Dhaliwal 2011, 59-100). Apple should keep in mind that the aim of business is not always based on making profits since long-term goals are

    Read More

  • Apple Competitive Advantage

    1544 Words  | 4 Pages

    Computers and technology makes it easier for entrepreneurs to enter this market. Not only are major tech companies competing against one another, but they are also competing against little programmers that know how to code. In our time you will never know with certainty when a small group of engineers or computer scientists are going to create, “next big thing”. Apple has been able to have a competitive advantage over its competitor by creating the highest quality products and services. Some of Apple’s current competitors are Microsoft, Google, and Facebook, and a few other tech companies as well. Most people strongly people Apple is one of the stronger company its industry, but then again some other people have biased views. Financially, they are the strongest company in the world. Also people are always willing to pay a premium for their products because of their durability, quality, and prior experiences with Apple products. Apple is always on the look at for new innovative ideas and concept that are being produced by self-motivated entrepreneurs. They are always looking to hire bright minds and let them develop within the company. A lot of entrepreneurs, programmers and engineers do not have a problem working for Apple because of their well-established perks. Apple offers its employees of the best benefits in the world. They also fairly compensate their employees that work in the front-end store as

    Read More

  • A Company's Code of Ethics

    1736 Words  | 4 Pages

    A company's code of ethics is very important to establishing the expectations and quality of its brand. The code of ethics are concrete expectations for employee behavior, accountability and communicates the ethical policy of a company to its partners and clients. A good business practice is to have sound ethics. Having good ethical practice is knowing the difference between right and wrong and choosing what the right thing is. Though good ethical behavior is something that should be done automatically, a company needs to have a set of rules in place that holds everyone accountable. Over the last twenty years, the country has been bombarded with company scandals and unethical behavior; though morally wrong, the punishment does not fit the crime. The punishments have been overkill. A murderer, rapist, or child molester commits violent crimes and potentially is out of jail in 10 - 20 years. The CEO’s that commit white collar crime receive 25 years to life; this paper will discuss how this punishment for committing nonviolent crimes, such as breaching a company’s code of ethics, are disproportionate to violent crimes that plague the country today.

    Read More

  • Ethical Issues in Business

    1834 Words  | 4 Pages

    The textbook defines business ethics as “the accepted principles of right or wrong governing the conduct of business people.” Business ethics also govern the members of a profession and the actions of an organization. Many organizations put into place an ethical strategy which is “a course of action that does not violate accepted principles.” These principles are used to guide organizations and employees to make the right decisions.

    Read More

  • Business Ethics Case Study

    1348 Words  | 3 Pages

    The Facts: Kermit Vandivier works for B.F. Goodrich. His job assignment was to write the qualifying report on the four disk brakes for LTV Aerospace Corporation. LTV purchased aircraft brakes from B.F. Goodrich for the Air Force. Goodrich desperately wanted the contract because it guaranteed a commitment from the Air Force on future brake purchases for the A7D from them, even if they lost money on the initial contract.

    Read More

More about Business Ethics: Apple, Inc.

Open Document